In the latest Hudson Valley Word of Mouth segment, Julia Joern visits with Marilla (Mars) Abrahamsen, founder of the Phoenix Web Collective, and volunteer, Helena Kaminski. Originally started as a pop-up in Prattsville, it is now housed in a storefront on Main Street in Hunter.

A resource for the community, the Phoenix Web Collective is part free market, part creative space for artists and others. As a free store, it offers a range of useful locally-donated items, including clothing, back-to-school supplies, toys, home goods, small appliances, electronics, books, and more. The Phoenix Web Collective is also a place for hands-on DIY workshops and educational and skill-sharing events.

Other projects led by Mars include a free community fridge/food pantry and a work-in-progress community garden, both in Hunter.

Recently featured in the Times Union, the Phoenix Art Collective is currently open Thursdays through Sundays and can be found on Instagram and Facebook.